Fenuki Tupou

OT Oregon

Grade

5.40 SEC

24 REPS

25.5 INCH

94.0 INCH

8.33 SEC

5.02 SEC

Overview

A very highly-touted JUCO transfer from Sierra College, Tupou showed so much promise during spring drills in 2007 that the Oregon coaching staff elected to move star Max Unger from left tackle -- where he earned second-team Pac-10 honors as a sophomore -- to center in an effort to best maximize Tupou's talents. Blessed with a unique combination of size, quickness and strength, Tupou has the physical tools every scout is looking for in an offensive lineman. And his play in 2008 earned Tupou second-team All-Pac 10 recognition and the potential to be a top-75 selection. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 8 3/4 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Massive man. Looks natural at 325 pounds, as his girth is spread evenly throughout his body. Good initial quickness off the snap. Consistently among the quicker linemen off the ball. Keeps his hands active in pass protection. Shuffles his feet quickly and with good balance to gain depth on his kick-slide while in pass protection. Rare strength and size as a run blocker. Can turn and flatten his opponent as a drive blocker. Plays with good leverage despite his size and can create movement in short-yardage situations. Cognizant, aggressive blocker who looks for defenders to hit and often combos before breaking free to block at the second level. At least adequate initial quickness to block on the move. Good punch in pass protection.
Negatives: Protected a bit by the rollouts and spread attack utilized by the Ducks. Can get caught leaning to the outside on his initial kick-slide, and is vulnerable to quick inside spins. Despite his strength and long arms, doesn't always use them to his advantage, too often short-arming defenders and allowing them to dictate the action. Struggles hitting targets and sustaining blocks at the second level. Loses his balance too often when blocking on the move. Slow in recognizing and reacting to outside blitzers. Not effective as a cut blocker and is slow to recover.